If you’re a lemon lover, this Lemon Cake to Die For is the ultimate dessert you’ve been craving! It’s light, fluffy, bursting with tangy citrus flavor, and indulgent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth—without breaking your Weight Watchers points budget. Perfect for any occasion, this lemon cake is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (sugar-free or light, if available)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 3 large eggs (or 3/4 cup egg substitute)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (like Swerve)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Topping:
- Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar substitute, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Use a spoon or piping bag for even distribution.
Garnish and Serve
- Optional: Decorate with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Slice into 12 equal portions and serve.

Nutritional Information
(Per Serving)
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- WW Points: ~4
Why This Recipe Works
- Lightened Up: Substituting unsweetened applesauce and Greek yogurt for oil reduces fat and calories without sacrificing flavor or moisture.
- Bright Citrus Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest ensure every bite is bursting with natural lemony goodness.
- Quick and Easy: Using a boxed cake mix simplifies the process, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Weight Watchers Friendly: Each slice is perfectly portioned to fit your points plan while still feeling indulgent.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are key to achieving the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more powdered sugar substitute to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Tea Time: Pair a slice with a cup of hot herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.
- Party Perfect: Serve on a platter with fresh fruit for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
- Layer Cake Option: Divide the batter between two round cake pans, bake, and assemble with light lemon frosting for a fancier presentation.
This Lemon Cake to Die For is proof that you can enjoy a decadent dessert without derailing your healthy eating goals. With its bright citrus notes and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cake is bound to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your lemon cravings, this recipe is a must-try!
Lemon Cake to Die For: The Ultimate Sweet & Zesty Dessert
12
servings15
minutes30
minutes120
kcalIngredients
For the Cake:
1 box lemon cake mix (sugar-free or light, if available)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
3 large eggs (or 3/4 cup egg substitute)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Lemon Glaze:
1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (like Swerve)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Topping:
Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. - Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar substitute, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Use a spoon or piping bag for even distribution. - Garnish and Serve
Optional: Decorate with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or mint leaves for a pop of color.
Slice into 12 equal portions and serve.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are key to achieving the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more powdered sugar substitute to taste.